Carolina Hurricanes Ready To Trade Draft Picks

It’s not often you get to take a behind-the-scenes look at NHL draft meetings, but yesterday the Carolina Hurricanes gave us a peek. In a candid video between GM Ron Francis and his scouting staff, the Hall of Famer explains that he is hoping to move some picks before or at the draft.

[the Scott Darling trade] left us with 10 picks. To be honest with you I’m hoping we don’t use all 10 when it comes to the draft. We have had contact with other teams, told them we are willing to give up some of the picks to get players.

Francis points out that they have six picks in the top-73 selections at the draft, and presses his scouts that they all need to work together to make sure any picks they do make are the right ones. Indeed, the Hurricanes have once again stocked up on draft picks after selling at the deadline, but are approaching a time where they need to start competing instead of rebuilding.

With a pipeline of young talent and core group coming into their prime, the Hurricanes should be expected to push for a playoff spot next season. They’re not perfectly positioned to make a move to bring in a dangerous scoring threat to help Jeff Skinner and friends up front. With a goaltender already in place thanks to the aforementioned Darling deal, 2017-18 could be a big year for Raleigh.

The biggest connection that will be made as the draft approaches is likely Matt Duchene, as the Colorado Avalanche seek assets to start their own rebuild. The Hurricanes match up perfectly with Joe Sakic and the Avalanche on paper, with a surplus of young defenders and picks to trade. While there is no guarantee the Hurricanes will be able to facilitate a deal for the former 30-goal man—especially with healthy competition from around the league—they will be on the lookout for a player of that impact.